COMMERCIAL TRAVEL
Operto | March 21, 2023
Operto Guest Technologies, a leading provider of automated solutions for 50 million-plus rooms in the global hospitality industry, today announced that it secured US$25 million in a Series-B financing round. The financing was led by Centana Growth Partners, with participation from Thayer Ventures, FUSE, Blackpines Capital Partners and Derive Ventures.
Proceeds from the round will be used to further fuel Operto’s aggressive expansion in the global short-term rental and hotel markets, where it already works exclusively with Accor Hotels to power its global digital key program. This includes luxury hotel brands such Fairmont and Raffles, where Operto’s revolutionary contactless digital solutions can be leveraged to remove common friction points in the guest journey, while lowering operating costs and driving new sources of revenue for the hotel.
"We are delighted to announce our B-Round funding, which will enable us to build upon our exceptional company growth over the past 3 years. It will accelerate our company mission to build cutting-edge technology solutions that drive amazing guest experiences, across the entire accommodation spectrum. In addition, our solutions will continue to deliver huge operational efficiencies for property owners and hosts by lowering costs and driving additional in-stay guest revenues, which is becoming increasingly important in today’s macroeconomic environment,” said Operto CEO Steve Davis. “Hospitality is one of the last major industries to be disrupted by technology, and we believe there is a significant opportunity to bring the benefits of simple, affordable automation to the sector. We are excited about the future, and we look forward to making a real difference to the accommodation industry."
“Operto is leading the digital transformation of the hospitality industry by creating a seamless, automated check-in and check-out experience for its customers,” said Eric Byunn, co-founder and partner at Centana Growth Partners. “Centana has been following the digitization of the hospitality industry closely, and we are very excited about this sort of innovative disruption streamlining the experience of owners, hosts, and guests. We will leverage our expertise in the payments and commerce ecosystem to work with Operto as they continue to innovate in an industry with such enormous potential.”
In addition to the funding announcement, Operto is pleased to announce that Sam Shank has joined the company’s Board of Directors. Shank, who was previously CEO and founder of HotelTonight and former head of Airbnb’s Commercial Team, brings a wealth of hospitality and travel industry experience to Operto. "Operto's cutting-edge technology solutions are reshaping the hospitality industry, and I am excited to be a part of the journey,” said Shank. “I look forward to working with the team to help drive growth and innovation."
Operto’s automated, customizable platform enables hotels, property managers and others to remotely provide access as well as monitor and control a wide range of devices and systems, including smartphone-enabled guest verification, security deposit and payment, electronic elevator and room access. By providing property managers with real-time data and insights, Operto helps streamline operations, reduce costs and enhance the guest experience.
Operto Guest Technologies is well-positioned to continue its rapid growth and expansion into new markets. The company is committed to delivering innovative solutions that help property managers improve efficiency, reduce costs and provide a better experience for their guests.
About Operto Guest Technologies
Operto Guest Technologies is a Vancouver-based company that provides smart property automation solutions for the hotel and vacation rental sectors. Operto’s platform enables property owners and managers to remotely monitor and control their properties, enhancing the guest experience while improving operational efficiency. The company's solutions can integrate with existing property management software and are customizable to meet the unique needs of each property. Operto Guest Technologies' solutions have been adopted by property managers and owners in over 100-countries worldwide.
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COMMERCIAL TRAVEL, AIRLINES AND AIRPORTS
TA Connections | February 20, 2023
TA Connections, a FLEETCOR company and a market leader in end-to-end solutions for airline operations, recently announced that it deliver its new re-ticketing service for distressed passengers to easyJet, a leading European low-cost airline. TA Connections' innovative ticketing technology enables easyJet to promptly rebook passengers facing travel disruptions on alternate airlines using an automated system that provides visibility into the available flight inventory.
TA Connections' smart re-ticketing solution seamlessly links with several supply channels, including NDC (New Distribution Capability), GDS (Global Distribution Systems), airline consolidators, private inventory, and directly with airline reservation systems, all through a single interface. Additionally, it is integrated within the TA Connections' TA Disruption Hub, providing easyJet and its customers with a comprehensive view of all flight options and real-time booking capabilities. This integration allows for a faster and more convenient rebooking process for displaced passengers, ensuring they can quickly be booked to their desired destination.
Mike Appleton, President of TA Connections, shared, "We've had the pleasure of being an extension of easyJet's crew and distressed passenger lodging and transportation operations for more than a decade and look forward to playing an even bigger role in their customer care with our new re-ticketing solution." He added, "This state-of-the-art technology is really a game-changer when it comes to minimizing the impact of travel disruptions for airline passengers. As an addition to our existing service platform, we can help airlines simplify their operations, control costs and improve customer loyalty even more moving forward."
(Source – Business Wire)
The new intelligent ticketing technology from TA Connections is the latest initiative to provide airline customers with unmatched access to inventory, automated pricing/fare optimization, configurable compliance and policies, and fully digital ticketing experiences for global passenger and crew needs.
About TA Connections
TA Connections, headquartered in Miami (Florida), offers a suite of next-generation solutions designed to simplify travel management, making it more affordable and efficient for clients worldwide. With a reputation for world-class operational reliability and agility, it seamlessly integrates with client crew scheduling and communication systems. From disrupted passenger hotel accommodations and transportation services to data analytics and machine-learning guided insights, clients trust the company's services worldwide. Through its transformative approach to travel management, the company seeks to delight the world's most mobile workforce while revolutionizing the industry.
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TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY
TravelCenters of America | March 17, 2023
TravelCenters of America Inc., nationwide operator and franchisor of the TA, Petro Stopping Centers and TA Express travel center network, announced today exciting updates to its full-service restaurant business.
Chef Maira Isabel now serves as TA’s Corporate Executive Chef, and will focus on adding flavorful, healthy offerings and integrating food trends and regional specialties into the menus of TA’s Country Pride and Iron Skillet restaurants. Before moving to the US, Chef Maira was a chef and on-air talent for multiple television shows for many years and was the Puerto Rico hostess of Bizarre Foods – Travel Channel. Her career has spanned TV, print and online publications including the Cooking Network, Travel Channel and Food & Beverage Magazine and she is a best-selling cookbook author. She has spent time perfecting her culinary skills in Italy, France, Colombia, Spain, Mexico and Morocco.
With over 150 full-service restaurants nationwide, TA continues expanding its portfolio to serve the needs of all travelers. In addition to proprietary brands Country Pride and Iron Skillet, TA launched Fork & Compass in January 2023 in Perrysburg, Ohio. Fork & Compass is designed to be an attractive option for all travelers and a destination spot for the community, with unique food options in a casual, comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere. TA also added five IHOPs and two Black Bear Diners in 2022, with plans to open more full-service restaurants this year.
TA will continue supporting the health and well-being of all travelers through its collaboration with Cleveland Clinic. Chef Maira’s menus will offer healthy meal options approved by Cleveland Clinic and highlighted with a heart-healthy logo. TA plans to expand beyond these menu offerings by working with Cleveland Clinic to identify healthy snack and grab-and-go food options in its travel stores.
“Chef Maira’s diverse background working in restaurants around the world, coupled with her sincere passion and enthusiasm, will elevate the sit-down dining experience at our travel centers,” said Lloyd Sanford, SVP, Hospitality. “Every culinary decision will be focused on ensuring we deliver on our mission of returning every traveler to the road better than they came.”
About TravelCenters of America
TravelCenters of America Inc. is the nation's largest publicly traded full-service travel center network. Founded in 1972 and headquartered in Westlake, Ohio, its over 18,000 team members serve guests in 285 locations in 44 states, principally under the TA®, Petro Stopping Centers and TA Express® brands. Offerings include diesel and gasoline fuel, truck maintenance and repair, full-service and quick-service restaurants, travel stores, car and truck parking and other services dedicated to providing great experiences for its guests. TA is committed to sustainability, with its specialized business unit, eTA, focused on sustainable energy options for professional drivers and motorists. TA operates over 600 full-service and quick-service restaurants and nine proprietary brands, including Iron Skillet® and Country Pride.
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